TEWU-TUC INDEFINITE STRIKE TO HIT UNIVERSITIES AND LIBRARIES, STUDENTS LEFT IN LIMBO

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, set to take effect on Friday, September 19, 2025.

The industrial action will affect non-teaching staff across Technical and Public Universities, the Ghana Library Authority, and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB).

According to the Union, the decision has become unavoidable following government’s failure to address long-standing concerns of non-teaching staff, despite exhausting all available procedures.

In a statement signed by General Secretary King James Azortibah, TEWU-TUC noted that on September 8, it formally notified authorities of its intended strike, citing persistent delays in finalising and signing Conditions of Service agreements. The Union said it has shown patience and restraint, but repeated engagements with management and relevant government agencies have produced no concrete results. It further warned that any attempts to intimidate members would be considered an unfair labour practice.

Impact on Students and the Public

While TEWU’s frustrations are acknowledged, the indefinite strike is expected to hit the most vulnerable group, students. With teaching and learning already under strain, disruptions to administrative support, library services, and campus maintenance could compound challenges for thousands of learners across the country.

Critics argue that although industrial actions are a powerful tool for workers, strikes often end up punishing students and the wider public more than the government itself. Some have called on TEWU-TUC to explore alternative negotiation tools, such as mediation, arbitration, or phased protests, that could put pressure on government while minimizing harm to students whose education hangs in the balance.

As the strike looms, the hope is that both parties will return to the negotiation table swiftly to resolve the impasse in a way that protects workers’ rights without jeopardizing the future of Ghana’s students.